I have followed this debate with interest. I agree there's a place for
communites of practice, but am concerned this is putting people into
too-closely defined areas. Thinking, and looking, outside the box is
one of the great strengths of this profession. That, and a certain
bloody-mindedness!
Some members of this list have rebuked others for expressing an opinion
unpalatable to them - "Sir, I disagree profoundly with what you say, but
I will defend to the death your right to say it". I am a passionate
believer in free speech; it seems to me that many of the recent laws of
this country are - slowly but surely - eroding that freedom. I do not
think my Institute should be a part of this.
I understand the Institute's wish to disengage from 'Lis-Cilip'. Rather
like certain information trends within the NHS, one is being directed
toward to a particular source for discussion, and one is invited to
create a personal profile accordingly. They see this as a focus on
member benefits - and what benefit is there in something that's freely
available to all? I would wish to continue this List - albeit under
another name - for I think it serves two functions: as a (necessarily
sometimes acidic) debating arena; and as an arena which can engage all
those (many) individuals who work in information, but who do not see
membership of this Institute as a necessary part of their
professionalism. Cilip may be exasperated by them, but they should not
be preventing communication between members & non-members - quite the
reverse.
And at a time when blandness rules, and we are ever mindful of not
upsetting anyone, ever, I confess to enjoying some of the interchanges.
I am an adult, & know well enough that not everyone likes me. I've
learnt to live with it: if I want endless love, I'll get a dog.
Cheers!
Zena Woodley B.A.(Joint Hons), MCLIP
Library Resources Manager
The Warner Library
Broomfield Hospital
Chelmsford CM1 7ET
T: 01245-514310
e : [log in to unmask]
"You can push and you can shove - but I'm demmed if I'll be druve"
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